Flying With Your Dog
Posted: Friday, August 26, 2005
by Eric Shannon
http://www.bedsfordoggies.com
A pet owner must research the many requirements before taking a dog on an airplane. Different airlines have slightly different regulations, but most airlines follow the same basic set of rules in regards to flying with a dog.
One universal rule is that dogs cannot fly on a plane without the owner on board. Each airline that was contacted for this article has a rule that outlaws flying unaccompanied dogs from one point to another. Realize that the airline considers dogs to be cargo. Just as you are not allowed to send your luggage across the country without also being present, same thing goes when it comes to your dog. The intent of each rule is slightly different (it's unlikely that a bomb would be inside of a dog), but the bottom line is that the airlines to not want to be responsible for your dog. However, if you absolutely must transport your dog without being present, you can contact a licensed and approved pet transportation company to get the job done for you.
Also, be aware of weather restrictions. These might be a big inconvenience, but they are in place to ensure the safety of your pet. The cargo area on an airplane can be incredibly hot. Because of this, there are restrictions on what times of the year dogs are allowed to travel to and from certain regions. Virtually all airlines will as well enforce weather and temperature related restrictions. For instance, if the temperature in the arrival or departure city is hotter than 85 degrees Fahrenheit, pets will not be permitted on the plane. Do not argue with the airline staff, because this is for your dog's safety.
Many airlines are currently allowing pets to be transported in the cabin of the plane, as long as they can comfortably fit into the in-cabin kennel cage (usually 22" long by 9"). The price of this service varies by airline but is usually under $100.00. This is considerably cheaper in comparison to the pets flying in the cargo hold which is not as safe and which can cost upwards of $300.00 on some airlines.
When flying internationally, be aware that the customs laws of many countries prohibit the entrance of dogs across their borders. Airlines are required to comply with these laws, and in many cases your dog will not be able to join you on an international flight at all.
Eric Shannon is a freelance author who also publishes Beds For Doggies, found at http://www.bedsfordoggies.com - which carries a large selection of Dog Beds, Dog Couches, and Dog Furniture.
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Top-level comments on this article: (3 total)I am not sure where you obtained your information, but alot of what you wrote is incorrect! A health certificate CAN NOT be more than 30 days old and the airlines DOES NOT have to view it until the day you fly with your dog or the day your dog flies
Also, it costs more than $100 for those flying with their dogs and each airlines varies going over $200 per 50 lbs. of body weight and they consider the crate weight too! Puppies and dogs CAN FLY WITHOUT THE OWNER...we ship all over the world !
Canine health certificates can now no longer be older than ten days old according to the airlines and since the gas prices has skyrocketed, airlines flights usually cost upwards of over $200-$800 or more, depending upon the size of the dog, crate and where its being flown. More about Goldendoodle World can be found regarding shipping on their Goldendoodle World website at www dot goldendoodle world dot com.
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